Honest Torrance Professional License Defense Attorney
Facing a licensing complaint or disciplinary hearing is stressful for professionals, who often have concerns about current and future legal matters. For many professionals, their license is their livelihood. It represents years of hard work going to school, receiving training, and becoming experienced in their field. A Torrance professional license defense lawyer can explain the legal issues involved in your case, along with how they may impact your ability to continue working.
About Century Law Group, LLP
Century Law Group, LLP, is a boutique litigation and counsel firm focused on our clients’ needs. We handle professional license defense cases and other complex business litigation throughout California. Our firm tailors its legal advice to the specific circumstances of each client and their overall objectives. We have been recognized by our peers as a firm that handles complex and sophisticated matters on behalf of professionals, business owners, and businesses.
Edward Lear, founding member of Century Law Group, LLP, is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates®. Membership in the ABTA is by invitation only, recognizing attorneys for their exceptional integrity, professionalism, and skill in trial advocacy. Although this doesn’t guarantee specific outcomes, it does show a recipient’s proficiency in their field.
At Century Law Group, LLP, we understand the legal issues involved in licensing matters. We also understand the reality faced by professionals and business owners who rely on their licenses to make a living.
Understanding Professional License Defense Matters
Professional licensing boards regulate a wide variety of occupations in California. If you have a professional license, then your board governs the standards that you must adhere to, and it can take action if you violate those standards. According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, in Fiscal Year 2024, there were 3.3 million active professional licenses. There were also 336,00 new licenses granted that year and 1.5 million licenses renewed.
With so many licenses, many types of professionals can be affected by licensing issues. These include:
- Doctors
- Dentists
- Contractors
- Nurses
- Insurance agents
- Accountants
- Real estate agents
A client, patient, customer, coworker, or government agency may file a complaint that triggers an investigation. Your licensing board may then conduct an investigation and decide to initiate disciplinary proceedings. However, your license defense case can start long before your board files any formal accusations against you.
Professional License Defense Laws
California professionals should be aware of the laws that may impact their license defense case. This state has numerous statutes and regulations that may apply to your situation. The California Business and Professions Code created many of California’s licensing boards. It also provides these boards with the ability to take action against your professional license.
Various sections of the California Business and Professions Code may apply to your case, depending on your profession.
The California Administrative Procedure Act covers many of the administrative hearings and procedures that involve California’s state agencies. This includes the California licensing boards. The act establishes rules on administrative procedures and how individuals should be notified of various acts. If your licensing board decides to take action against you, parts of the California Administrative Procedure Act may apply.
Common Reasons for Licensing Complaints
Complaints can be filed against your professional license for many reasons. Some complaints allege that you were negligent or violated your professional duties. Others can be the result of simple misunderstandings, employee disputes, disgruntled customers, or even unrelated legal matters. Here are some common issues that could lead to a licensing board investigating your professional license:
- Professional misconduct
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- Arrests or criminal convictions
- Substance abuse
- Keeping improper records
- Violating ethical standards
- Professional negligence
- Unprofessional behavior
Regardless of the reason for the licensing complaint, not every instance results in discipline. Your licensing board usually investigates the allegations against you and determines if further action is needed.
Hire a Professional License Defense Lawyer
Every situation is different, but many license defense cases involve procedural requirements, regulatory requirements, and administrative rules that vary from what you would typically see in civil or criminal court cases, such as those at the Los Angeles County Superior Court – Torrance Courthouse. This is why it’s important to hire a professional license defense lawyer in Torrance, California.
Licensing boards have broad powers to investigate and discipline those who hold a license. For this reason, it is often very helpful to know what procedures and laws apply to your particular situation. An experienced Torrance professional license defense attorney at Century Law Group, LLP, understands the complexities of administrative hearings and can provide knowledgeable guidance and strong advocacy throughout your case.
FAQs
Does Changing Employers Affect a Licensing Investigation?
Typically, changing jobs does not terminate or erase an ongoing licensing investigation. Many California licensing boards have jurisdiction over the licensee, not the employer. Disciplinary actions may proceed even after the licensee quits, leaves town, or gets another job. Licensees might still need to answer questions or testify about the accusations.
Does a Licensing Complaint Appear on a Background Check?
Whether a licensing complaint appears on a background check depends on the specifics of the case. Some complaints are kept confidential throughout the investigation process. Formal discipline may become part of the public record. Employers, credentialing bodies, and members of the public could obtain information from your licensing agency. Disclosure laws vary by California licensing board and profession.
Can a Professional License Be Affected by Conduct Outside of Work?
Many licensing boards investigate conduct outside of work if they feel it calls your ability to practice into question. Criminal charges, fraud-related activity, dishonest behavior, or anything else that may call your professional judgement into question could be reviewed by a regulatory professional. Typically, they look for connections to your ability to practice your profession.
Are Licensing Board Hearings Open to the Public?
Administrative proceedings are often matters of public record. Rules on access to information vary from agency to agency and profession to profession. The public can often access particular documents, hearings, and final rulings. Confidentiality may restrict portions of an investigation or proceedings that deal with protected information. Public access can vary, depending on the type of case.
Contact Century Law Group, LLP
If your professional license is in jeopardy, Century Law Group, LLP, can defend your rights, future, and career. Contact us today for more information on your professional license defense case.
